The Southern Song had acknowledged Jin Dynasty as its superior, and the two sides had agreed upon an uncle-nephew relationship. In theory, whenever Jin Dynasty sent an envoy bearing a state letter, Zhao Gou should respectfully bow and receive the Imperial Edict. But theory was one thing and reality another. Whenever such a scene arose over the years, Zhao Gou would feign illness and hide in the palace, sending several ministers to bow in his place and receive the Jin envoy's instructions.
Although Jin Dynasty was dissatisfied, Zhao Gou was still an emperor, and they could not truly do much to him. Thus, this arrangement had become an unspoken convention. That was why Zhao Gou immediately threw Wan Qixie out the moment he sensed trouble.
Hearing Zhao Gou's words, Wan Qixie's old face instantly flushed red. But the emperor had spoken—how could he refute him?
Han Tuozhou said gleefully from the side, "My condolences, Lord Wan."
Wan Qixie's eyes rolled, and he suddenly forced a smile. He said to Zhao Gou, "Your Majesty, since Young Master Song holds such an exalted status, and since he previously rescued so many Princesses and rendered great service to the court, it would seem insufficiently solemn if only this minister were to kneel before him. As the foremost among the civil and military officials, I suggest leading the entire court in paying respects to Young Master Song, thereby expressing the court's gratitude. What does Your Majesty think?"
He saw the situation very clearly. Jia Sidao and Han Tuozhou had always been at odds with him and would never pass up such a chance to kick him while he was down. Moreover, the emperor had already spoken. His kneeling today was a foregone conclusion.
But he knew perfectly well that, as a dignified chancellor in